Machine readable tag

• US 20020031997A1
• Filed: 12/11/2000
• Published: 03/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Meat Processing Service Corporation
• Original Assignee: Meat Processing Service Corporation
• Inventors: Lawler, Casimir E. Jr., Parry, Richard I.
• Granted Patent: US 6,608,561 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 452/173
• CPC Class Codes: A22B 5/0064 for classifying or grading carcasses; for measuring back fat
• CPC Class Codes: A22B 7/007 Means containing information relative to the carcass that can be attached to or are embedded in the conveying means
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0723 the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07771 the record carrier comprising means for minimising adverse effects on the data communication capability of the record carrier, e.g. minimising Eddy currents induced in a proximate metal or otherwise electromagnetically interfering object

Abstract

A radio frequency identification device (RFID) including radio frequency identification circuitry enclosed in a protective molded casing having an attachment surface for attaching the RFID to a ferrous object, the radio frequency identification circuitry being positioned in the casing so as to keep the circuitry a predetermined distance away from the ferrous object which may interfere with the communication between the RFID and the RFID reader.

Claims

1. A radio frequency identification device (RFID) comprising radio frequency identification circuitry enclosed in a protective molded casing having an attachment surface for attaching the RFID to a ferrous object, the radio frequency identification circuitry being positioned in the casing so as to keep the circuitry a predetermined distance away from the ferrous object which may interfere with the communication between the RFID and the RFID reader.

2. The RFID of claim 1 wherein the protective casing is composed of a high strength, shock resistant and wear resistant material.

3. The RFID of claim 2 wherein the protective casing is a molded from a polyurea elastomer compound.

4. The RFID of claim 1 wherein the molded casing is constructed in a manner to provided for an annular opening for mounting around a cylindrical body.

5. The molded form of claim 1 wherein the shape of the molded casing is substantially rectangular and which has rounded edges and comers along all surfaces which are not in contact with the surface that the RFID is intended to be mounted to.

6. The RFID of claim 1 wherein the circuitry is completely enclosed by the protective casing, and is further positioned within the protective casing so that it is at least {fraction (1/4)} of an inch away from the attachment surface.

7. The RFID of claim 1 wherein the circuitry is completely enclosed by the protective casing, and is further positioned within the protective casing so that the circuitry is located at such a distance from any ferrous object so as to allow for optimum RFID operation and reading range.

8. The RFID of claim 1 wherein the device is attached with at least two uniformly positioned holes which allow a securing device to pass through the protective casing of the RFID and attach to the surface which the RFID is intended to be mounted to.

9. The means of attachment of claim 1 wherein the securing device is a nut and bolt assembly.

10. The means of attachment of claim 1 wherein the securing device is a screw.

11. A method for making the RFID of claim 1 comprising the steps of:

(a) pouring curable liquid into a preformed mold to a first predetermined depth;

(b) allowing a predetermined time to pass to permit the curable liquid to gel, but not sufficient to allow the liquid to fully cure;

(c) placing the circuitry upon the surface of the now gelled liquid;

(d) filling the mold to a second predetermined depth with additional curable l iquid;

(e) allowing a second predetermined amount of time to pass to allow both the first and second depths of the poured curable liquid to fully cure and attain a homogeneous interface between the two depths, thereby preventing the occurrence of a seam between the two depths of now cured liquid.

12. A method for making the RFID of claim 11 wherein the first predetermined depth is at least {fraction (1/8)} of an inch.

13. A method for making the RFID of claim 11 wherein the second predetermined depth is at least {fraction (1/4)} of an inch.

14. A method for making the RFID of claim 11 wherein the curable liquid is a polyurea elastomer compound.

15. A method for making the RFID of claim 11 wherein the preformed mold is designed and constructed to have two projections which span the depth of the mold and are positioned in such a manner to allow placement of the circuitry at least {fraction (1/4)} of an inch away from both of the projections.

16. The preformed mold of claim 15 wherein the projections are further characterized by having a cross-sectional diameter of no less than {fraction (1/8)} of an inch.

17. A method for making the RFID of claim 11 wherein the preformed mold is designed and constructed to have rounded edges where the walls of the preformed mold intersect.